Freshman Orientation

Congratulations on choosing CSUDH as your four-year university and to starting on the path toward your college degree, an important and serious step in your future. To help you make the best possible start to your college experience at CSUDH, we require all first-time freshmen to attend New Student Orientation (NSO), a program designed just for you and your parents or guardians.

Why should I attend?

NSO is the only way for you to register for your first-semester classes. We also know you may have questions about what to expect, where to go, and what next steps to take. To help answer your questions and ease your transition to university life, we require all incoming freshman students to attend Freshman New Student Orientation (NSO).

Freshman NSO is mandatory, but it’s also a great introduction to CSUDH and an essential part of your success on campus. At Freshman NSO, you’ll be connected to the information and resources you need to start strong, including:

Hands-on help with online registration for your fall courses.

Academic assistance to help you choose the right classes for your degree and interests.

Useful information on your financial aid options and how to accept awards.

Introduction to Student Life and the many clubs, organizations, activities and events happening right here on campus.

Take the English Placement Test (EPT) and Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) exam and get your scores, if they haven’t already been received by CSUDH:

Only students who have received an exemption (not conditional exemption) are excused from completing the ELM and EPT exams. If you are uncertain of your status, check at MyCSUDH.edu.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application by March 2 and supporting documentation by May 15, unless you will be paying all tuition costs without the use of any financial aid, including student loans.

Missing these requirements as well as university deadlines may keep you from attending CSUDH.

How do I sign up?

You can reserve a spot for orientation once you have completed your Intent to Enroll and have your EPT/ELM score. Once you’ve taken those steps, you’ll receive an email with information on how to reserve your spot online. Be sure to check both your personal and Toro email for this notice. If you believe you have completed both items, but have not received an email, please call (310) 243-2113.

When is orientation?

Orientation sessions are scheduled during the summer. Students may select the date that works best for them, on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend reserving your orientation spot online early so you can select dates that meet your schedule.

The orientation program for first-year students is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lunch is included with the orientation fee.

The 2015 Freshman Orientation dates are:

June 4

June 12

June 20

June 26

July 16

July 31

There’s no guarantee that you’ll be able to reserve your first choice of dates, so we encourage flexibility. Students should NEVER make travel plans until an orientation reservation has been confirmed.

How much does it cost?

A $87 (non-refundable) orientation charge will be placed on your my.CSUDH.EDU student account 5 business days before your registered orientation date. This fee must be paid on or before your orientation date.*

PLEASE NOTE: All fees are non-refundable.

*If you filed your 2015-2016 FAFSA and have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of 4,000 or less, your Freshman NSO fee will be deferred. If you qualify, your non-refundable NSO fee will be deducted from your Fall 2015 financial aid disbursement.

Can my parent/guardian come?

We want your family to share your CSUDH experience with you. We encourage your parent, guardian or sponsor to attend the concurrent Parent Orientation, which runs on the same day as Freshman NSO, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A parent/guardian registration email will be sent to the student 24 hours after they register for Freshman NSO. Parent registration is required to attend the Parent Orientation.